US Bridges

Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.2 MI N JCT CO RD 19 · Structure no. 004097

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
485 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,000
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,000 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,400 by 2040. The structure is 485 ft (147.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCherokee #71
CrossesTerrapin Creek
Location1.2 MI N JCT CO RD 19
RouteCounty Highway 71
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.12245, -85.67686
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length485 ft (147.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,000 (2020)
Projected traffic2,400 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek carry?

About 2,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek?

The structure is 485 ft (147.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #71 over Terrapin Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.